Manchester United is poised to formally unveil Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko as their latest signing this weekend, following the completion of medical assessments and contract formalities. The 21-year-old arrived in England on Friday to finalize his transfer from RB Leipzig, signaling a significant coup for the Premier League club as they bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Sources indicate the two clubs reached an agreement in principle earlier this week, with the deal structured around an initial £66.3 million (€76.5 million) fee. The package could rise by an additional £7.37 million (€8.5 million) through performance-based incentives tied to Sesko’s contributions on the pitch. Should all contractual details be finalized in time, the Slovenian international could make his first public appearance as a United player during Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
The timing aligns with United’s strategic push to integrate new signings ahead of their Premier League opener. Sesko’s pending arrival follows the acquisitions of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Nunez from Sporting CP, both part of manager Ruben Amorim’s restructuring of the team’s frontline. The trio’s differing skill sets — Sesko’s aerial dominance, Mbeumo’s pace, and Nunez’s creative flair — suggest a multifaceted attacking approach designed to challenge domestic and European competitors.
Sesko’s trajectory has drawn attention since his breakthrough at Red Bull Salzburg, where his 29 goals across two seasons earned him a 2023 move to Leipzig. His adaptability as a central striker and secondary facilitator made him a priority target for United’s recruitment team, who view him as a long-term cornerstone. The five-year contract on offer underscores the club’s commitment to building around emerging talent.
While neither club has issued official statements, United’s hierarchy appears confident in finalizing the transfer ahead of Saturday’s deadline. Supporters tracking flight paths and social media updates noted Sesko’s departure from Ljubljana on Friday morning, with the player reportedly accompanied by representatives to expedite paperwork. Medical evaluations, typically a formality at this stage, are expected to confirm his readiness for Amorim’s rigorous tactical system.
The potential unveiling during the Fiorentina friendly offers symbolic resonance — a chance for fans to witness their new signings together before competitive fixtures begin. With preseason concluding next week, Sesko’s integration into squad training becomes urgent, particularly given United’s ambitions to improve upon last season’s third-place finish. Financial analysts note the transaction reflects the club’s renewed spending power under revised ownership structures, though critics caution against the risks of high-cost transfers in UEFA’s tightened financial landscape.
As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on Old Trafford’s administrative offices. Should contracts be ratified by midday Saturday, the storied stadium’s iconic pitch may serve as the stage for Sesko’s inaugural steps into English football — and United’s latest bid for silverware.
